Leverett’s Chapel Independent School District

Junior High Fun Day is on Wednesday, May 21st! Please see the flyer below for what to wear and bring!

LC Community- LC Alumni Spotlight: Jessie Harris – From All-State to All Heart Class of 2013 | All-State Athlete | Salutatorian | Nurse | Business Owner | Community Leader Some students are great athletes. Others are brilliant scholars. And every so often, you get someone like Jessie Harris, who was both—and so much more. An all-state athlete in multiple sports, the 2013 Salutatorian, and one of the most memorable student-athletes to ever wear the Black and Gold, Jessie left it all on the field, in the classroom, and now, in life. I had the honor of coaching Jessie and making incredible memories—from Friday nights on the gridiron to trips to the state track meet. He was a competitor, a leader, and even back then, I had no doubt that he would be successful in whatever path he chose. And true to form, he didn’t choose just one—he’s lived several lives already, each with the same heart and hustle that made him a standout Lion. Kilgore College: The First Step Jessie signed his letter of intent to play football at Kilgore College in 2013. While juggling a full course load of 20+ credit hours per semester, he earned back-to-back honors as an Academic All-American in both 2014 and 2015. He graduated from KC with a 3.9 GPA and an Associate’s of Applied Science, all while gaining attention from Division I football programs. Sam Houston State University: D1 & Determined In 2015, Jessie transferred to Sam Houston State University, where he became the starting long snapper for both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. During his time there, Sam Houston won a conference championship and made two deep playoff runs. Through it all, Jessie maintained a 3.9 GPA, proving once again that his drive wasn’t just physical—it was intellectual and spiritual too. A Bigger Purpose: Nursing & Service As college football came to a close, Jessie faced a life-changing decision—pursue the NFL dream or pursue something deeper. In January 2017, he chose service over spotlight, applied to SHSU’s nursing program, and began the toughest academic challenge of his life. “Nursing school was one of the hardest obstacles I’ve ever faced,” he says—but he rose to the occasion, graduating with honors, joining the Nursing Honor Society, and being recognized for outstanding community service. After graduation in December 2019, Jessie joined Houston Methodist’s Emergency Department—just days before the COVID-19 pandemic hit full force. His first nursing job became a crash course in courage, working the frontlines during a global crisis, giving all he had for others. Back Home to Kilgore: Building a Legacy In October 2021, Jessie returned to East Texas, working at Christus Good Shepherd ER, but his heart still told him there was more to do. In May 2023, Jessie and his wife Lacie—who also has a strong medical background—took a leap of faith and assumed leadership of a hospice branch in Gilmer, moving it to Kilgore and renaming it Concho Hearts Hospice. Their mission? To redefine what compassionate healthcare looks like. “We believe in quality over quantity. Doing what’s right—not just what’s expected.” Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jessie was recently honored as a “40 Under Forty” leader in end-of-life care, a recognition that speaks volumes about the impact he and Lacie are making across East Texas. The Heart Behind It All Jessie credits much of his story to where it all began—Leverett’s Chapel. “All I ever needed was an opportunity. And I found that opportunity in Leverett’s Chapel. The lessons I learned there—from discipline and teamwork to resilience—carried me through football, through nursing, and now, into owning a business where I get to serve people every single day.” Jessie, your story is powerful, inspiring, and a perfect example of why small schools matter. You are a walking testimony to what can happen when a young man is raised by a strong community, believes in himself, and never stops serving others. We are so proud of you—not just for your accomplishments, but for the kind of man you’ve become. From the sidelines to the emergency room to hospice care—you’ve always led with your heart. To the LC community—please share this spotlight and tag other alumni doing incredible things. Let’s keep lifting up the Lions who carry our legacy forward. Know someone who should be featured next? Email: meverett@leverettschapelisd.net Cell: 903-808-0182 Small school. Black and Gold. Big dreams. Bold futures. It’s not where you start—it’s where you’re going.

LC Community- What a morning at Leverett’s Chapel Elementary Field Day! Our Lions gave it their all—running, jumping, and cheering one another on—and had a blast wrapping up the year together. Field Day has been part of our elementary tradition for years and will continue to be for years to come. Thank you to every student, volunteer, and staff member who joined in the fun and helped everything run smoothly. A huge thank-you to Coach Bowers, our PE teacher, for planning and making sure today was a hit. As always, “Small school, big dreams; bold futures” shines through in moments like these. Check out these photos to relive some of today’s best moments! ( FB Reel to follow) Go Lions!

LC Community- What a great tradition we’ve had today at Leverett's Chapel ISD! The Senior/Kindergarten Walk was a wonderful reminder of how far our students have come. It’s always a special moment when our Seniors, ready to take the next step in their journey, walk alongside our Kindergarteners, who are just beginning their own path. Be sure to check out the reel Ms. Carmen created and shared on our Facebook page—it captures the spirit of the day perfectly! Please Share! Share! Share!` The countdown is on for our Seniors as they move forward into adulthood, and our Kindergarteners are getting ready for their next big adventure in "big school." Small school, big dreams, bold futures—it’s not where you start, but where you're going, and today was a perfect reflection of that. Go Lions!

LC Community- Today, our staff enjoyed a “Sip Sip Hooray” soda station courtesy of second-grade teacher Rachael Broach. This thoughtful gesture is just one of many acts of kindness we’ve experienced throughout the year. These moments of care and camaraderie build the warm, family-first culture that makes Leverett’s Chapel feel like home for students, staff, and our entire community. Thank you to Mrs. Broach and to everyone who takes the time to brighten someone’s day. Your generosity and spirit are what make LC truly special. Go Lions!

LC Community- A huge shout-out to National Trim of Tyler for the incredible job they did on our school vehicles! The graphics look amazing, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. It’s great to see our school so well represented on the road. If you're looking for top-notch graphics work, we highly recommend National Trim. They really know their stuff and go the extra mile to make sure you’re happy. We’re proud to show off their work and even prouder to let everyone know that Leverett’s Chapel is in town! Check them out at: 13282 County Rd 192, Tyler, TX 75703 Phone: (903) 597-8811 Thanks again, National Trim! Go Lions!

Celebrating the Class of 2025! Once again, Leverett’s Chapel ISD is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our seniors. On Wednesday, May 22, 2025, at 7:45 AM, we’ll be treating the Class of 2025 to a special Senior Breakfast & Project Graduation at Leverett’s Chapel Bible Fellowship Church. This breakfast is our way of saying “thank you” to our seniors for the countless ways they’ve enriched our district—through academic excellence, leadership in extracurriculars, and by being shining examples of Lion Pride. A special thank-you to: All the individuals and businesses whose generous donations make Project Graduation possible. Your support ensures our students enjoy a fun, safe send-off. Leverett’s Chapel Bible Fellowship Church for graciously hosting us and providing a warm, welcoming space to gather. **Seniors—**We are so proud of you and grateful for everything you’ve contributed to LCISD. We can’t wait to celebrate your accomplishments together and send you off with Lion Pride and best wishes for the road ahead! Small school. Big dreams. Bold futures. It’s not where you start—it’s where you’re going. Go Lions!

LC Community- Annual Senior/Kindergarten Walk - Today at 9:15 AM This morning, we are excited to continue our annual tradition at Leverett’s Chapel ISD—the Senior/Kindergarten Walk, happening at 9:15 AM. It’s a special occasion where our graduating seniors will walk alongside our youngest Lions, the Kindergarten class. This event is a reminder of the journey our students take from the first steps of their education to the final moments of graduation. As we celebrate these milestones, we reflect on our district’s mission: small school, big dreams, bold futures. It’s not where you start—it’s where you’re going, and today we see that embodied in these students, both young and old. We’re incredibly proud of our students and all that they’ve accomplished. Later today, we’ll be sharing pictures and videos of this memorable event. Go Lions!

LC Community- Leverett's Chapel ISD would to share that we have successfully banked 135 instructional minutes and met the state’s required instructional minutes for this school year, and as long as we don’t miss any more school days before the year ends, we will release early at 1:45 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd. Please plan accordingly. We will begin car rider pick-up before 1:45 p.m. to help with a smooth and timely release. That same day, we will celebrate the achievements of several student groups: Kindergarten Graduation at 8:30 a.m. 8th Grade Graduation at 10:30 a.m. Senior Graduation at 7:00 p.m. Please come out and celebrate with us! Go Lions1

Come celebrate our athlete's achievements with us on Thursday, May 15th at 6:00 PM at the LCISD Cafeteria.

LC Community- LC Alumni Spotlight: Jose Espinosa – From the Black and Gold to the Road Ahead Welding Professional, LC Lion, and Proud Family Man From his first day of Pre-K to walking the stage in 2021, Jose Espinosa is the kind of Leverett’s Chapel story we love to tell. A homegrown LC Lion through and through, Jose’s journey is marked by resilience, growth, and discovering passion through hard work. Growing up at LC, Jose remembers school never feeling like a burden—it felt like home. “The staff at Leverett’s Chapel always felt like family. My teachers taught me lessons I still use today—not just in the classroom, but in real life,” he says. Like many students, Jose had his share of detours. He’s open about how the first half of high school came with distractions and missteps, but it’s what happened next that makes his story so powerful. “I liked to party, and I got off track. But my teachers—especially Mrs. Portley and Mr. Perry—never gave up on me. All that yelling, all that pushing... it mattered. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Jose was involved in cross country and track, and while he jokes about collecting fourth-place ribbons, it was being part of something bigger that stuck with him. He also played baseball, cherishing the memories of competing with his cousin Alexis Chavez—even through shoulder injuries and tough seasons. And then there was band. “Band was my favorite part of school,” he laughs. “Mrs. Johnson assigned me trumpet, and I was first chair from 6th grade to senior year. I used to memorize the music and never bring my sheets, and she’d chew me out every time—but I swear I was her favorite band member, even if she won’t admit it.” After high school, life brought a familiar struggle: what comes next? Jose changed his mind “about 100 times” before finally landing on what felt right—welding. He took a leap in the middle of a pre-calculus class, walked out, and changed his major to Welding Technology at Kilgore College, where he eventually earned his Associate’s Degree. Thanks to the guidance of his instructor, Cody Edwards, Jose landed a job at Saulsbury, starting as a helper. He worked hard, learned fast, and earned the chance to test as a combo welder. He passed and never looked back. Over the next year, he worked full-time and spent his free hours building in his personal shop, gaining the hands-on experience that would shape his next big step. That step? Investing in his own custom rig truck, fully outfitted and ready to hit the road. It wasn’t easy. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be to get into the field industry. It took weeks of calls and chasing leads. But I finally landed a job in Nebraska on a six-month project. Six weld tests later—I passed.” Now, Jose is heading to Lexington, Nebraska, welding on a new plant, still learning, still climbing. “Welding isn’t just how I make a living—it’s what I love to do.” Jose wants young people—and their parents—to know there are powerful paths in the trades. “Welding, electrical, plumbing, lineman work—these are great careers. I chose welding because it fits me, but there are so many options out there. Don’t overlook them.” Beyond the job site, Jose’s heart is with his family. He met Dyanna, the love of his life, in high school. After some on-and-off years, they grew together—and now, six years later, they’re raising a family of their own. On Valentine’s Day 2025, they welcomed their son, Emmanuel. Sundays are sacred. “It’s my only day off, so we make the most of it. We get ready for church, grab breakfast, run errands, and spend time together. Watching Emmanuel grow day by day—that’s the good stuff.” Jose credits Dyanna for being his rock. “She’s strong, beautiful, and so supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” His story isn’t one of overnight success—it’s one of everyday effort, real struggles, hard choices, and long-term grit. It’s a perfect reminder of what we believe at Leverett’s Chapel: It’s not where you start—it’s where you’re going. Jose, we are proud of the welder, husband, father, and man you’ve become. The Black and Gold runs deep in your story, and we’re lucky to call you one of our own. To our LC community—please share this spotlight and tag other LC alumni doing great things. Let’s keep lifting up the people who make this district proud. Know someone who should be featured next? Email: meverett@leverettschapelisd.net Cell: 903-808-0182 Small school. Black and Gold. Big dreams. Bold futures. Go Lions!

Leverett's Chapel Secondary Teachers, Staff, and Administrators would like to thank David M. Hayes, CPA, PLLC for providing lunch for our amazing teachers this week in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. The staff at David M. Hayes says, "If you don't necessarily love doing your taxes (or have an accounting degree), you've come to the right place. At David M Hayes, CPA, PLLC, we do what we love: taxes. Small businesses, larger enterprises, trusts, estates, non-profits, and individuals – we've done them all. For businesses, let us take the bookkeeping and payroll processing worries off your shoulders so you can concentrate on managing and growing your business." Thank you David M. Hayes, CPA, PLLC for treating our amazing teachers and staff this week! It's a great day to be a lion!!

Leverett's Chapel Secondary Teachers, Staff, and Administrators would like to thank Jessica Holmes with East Texas Preferred Properties and The Circle Café for providing breakfast for us this week in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. Jessica Holmes is a lifelong resident of Kilgore. She says, "At East Texas Preferred Properties, we bring integrity, expertise, and clarity to every transaction. Our deep knowledge of the East Texas real estate market as well as our local and state-wide connections make each interaction with us a satisfying experience. Our unique sensitivity to our clients' needs coupled with our expert negotiation skills consistently produces successful and timely results." Thank you Jessica, East Texas Preferred Properties, and The Circle Café for treating our amazing teachers this week! Go Lions!!

If your child has medication at the school, please pick it up by 12:00 on Friday 5/23. Any medication not picked up will be discarded. Thanks!

Parents/Guardians of Upcoming 7th Grade Students in Texas Schools: State law requires students in all grades in Texas schools to be immunized against certain vaccine preventable diseases. In addition to vaccines your child has already received, state law requires one dose of the meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine and a dose of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for students in 7th-12th grades. State law also recommends but does not require two or three doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine which can prevent different kinds of cancer in males and females. The full vaccine requirements for 7th grade students can be found on the DSHS Immunization Unit website at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/. We also want to remind you to get your child’s vaccinations early— before the busy back-to-school season. Getting your child vaccinated not only protects your child’s health, but also that of the community. Without the proper documentation of required vaccinations or a valid medical or conscientious exemption, students will not be allowed to attend school. Should you have any questions about vaccines, please consult your healthcare provider. You can also visit the DSHS Immunization Unit website at www.ImmunizeTexas.com.

LC Community- April LC Beat - Reader-Friendly Version We originally posted the April edition of the LC Beat last week, but we're excited to share a more reader-friendly version with our community today! This new version is in an easy-to-view picture format, so there are no links to click – just open it up and enjoy the read! If you haven’t had a chance yet, we also encourage you to go back and check out the earlier editions of the LC Beat that have been published throughout the year. There's a lot of great content you won’t want to miss! Go Lions!

LC Community- Attendance Matters, and We’re Showing Up! Yesterday was another outstanding day for student attendance, even as we approach the end of the school year. Our Junior High achieved 100% attendance, and the district as a whole had an impressive 98.16% attendance rate! Great job, LCISD! Remember, small schools, big dreams, and bold futures start with being in the classroom, ready to work. Let’s keep up the momentum and finish strong! Go Lions!

“Parents/guardians and students, only a parent/guardian is permitted to bring outside food to their respective student during the school day. DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc. are not permitted on campus. The parent/guardian must physically bring the food to the campus to be given to their student only. Students are not allowed to order food to be delivered to campus unless their parent/guardian is physically delivering the food. Any food brought to campus in violation of this procedure is subject to disposal. Your compliance with this is appreciated. Please contact the campus principal if you have any questions.”

LC Community- Congratulations to our elementary students for an exceptional year in the Renaissance Learning Accelerated Reader program! Accelerated Reader (AR) is a research-based tool that motivates independent reading by setting personalized goals, assessing comprehension with brief quizzes, and rewarding mastery of vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Over the course of the school year, our Lions have built confidence, expanded their reading horizons, and laid a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Annual Top Readers 1st Place: 108 points – Welcome to the 100-Point Club! 2nd Place: Ian Dey – 60 points (50-Point Club) 3rd Place: Rhowyn Rodgers – 59 points (50 -Point Club) Keep up the great work, Lions. Small school, big dreams—bold futures. It’s not where you start; it’s where you’re going. Go Lions!

**Dress Code:** Get ready to dive in! Wear clothes that can handle a splash, with swimsuits underneath for maximum fun. **Kicks:** Lace up those tennis shoes! They're a must-have to dodge prickly surprises on the field. **Must-Haves:** Don’t forget a towel, plus a dry outfit and shoes for post-splash comfort. **Extras:** Pack some sunscreen and a hat for a sun-safe adventure! Heads up! This bash is a student-only zone. Parents, you'll have to sit this one out due to the new concession stand construction.